the presiding officer: the senator from new mexico. mr. bingaman: i thank my colleague, senator leahy. i would -- madam president, what is *t pending business before the senate now? is it an amendment to this legislation? the presiding officer: amendment number 3371 is the pending business. mr. bingaman: madam president, i'd ask that that amendment be set aside and that i be permitted to call up amendment number 3344 and ask for its immediate consideration. the presiding officer: without objection. the clerk will report the amendment. the clerk: the senator from new mexico, mr. bingaman, proposes an amendment numbered 3344. mr. bingaman: i'd ask that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. bingaman: madam president, this is an amendment offered by myself and cosponsored by senators webb and wyden. it would provide for the approval of an agreement between the united states and the republic of palau in response to super typhoon bofa. madam president, few people are aware that as hurri